Letter: We're no ladies

Sir: David Foster (letter, 5 April) is right. Young women do squirm at the word "ladies". It's funny that many of the generation above think we should be pleased to be so termed. It's got something to do with the helplessness, dependency and fragility the word implies.

Reject "lady" and reject the notion that women need to be treated very gently. Embrace "woman" and embrace independence, choice, freedom, financial security ... the right to be wild, to dress as we like, be cheeky, enjoy a rude joke, appreciate pints of bitter in a good local (a "lady" wouldn't), take or leave a man without terrible consequences. All the things that make life good for young women today.

LORNA SHEARMAN

Winchester